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Family firm ambidexterity: the influence of paradoxical tensions and the Entrepreneurial Family’s cohesion

Author

Listed:
  • Matthias Guffler

    (University of Witten/Herdecke)

  • Alexandra Bertschi-Michel

    (University of Bern)

  • Andreas Hack

    (University of Bern)

  • Franz W. Kellermanns

    (The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
    WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management)

Abstract

This study presents paradoxical tensions as the ‘missing link’ at the intersection of the entrepreneurial family and family firm management: a link that crucially affects innovation-related decisions such as ambidexterity. Specifically, the study argues that the relationship between family cohesion and organizational ambidexterity within entrepreneurial family firms is mediated by paradoxical tensions (latent and salient). Drawing on survey data from 206 German family firms, support is found for the hypotheses advanced. Building on cognitive resource theory, this study demonstrates that differently perceived paradoxical tensions in entrepreneurial family firms have different meaningful effects on organizational ambidexterity. Implications for theory and future research are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Guffler & Alexandra Bertschi-Michel & Andreas Hack & Franz W. Kellermanns, 2023. "Family firm ambidexterity: the influence of paradoxical tensions and the Entrepreneurial Family’s cohesion," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(6), pages 1945-1977, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:48:y:2023:i:6:d:10.1007_s10961-022-09986-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-022-09986-2
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    Cited by:

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurial family firms; Organizational ambidexterity; Paradoxical tensions; Family cohesion;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • O3 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights
    • O30 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - General
    • M10 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - General

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